Carney rebuts Trump's 'Canada lives because of the U.S.' remark

In a national address in Quebec City, Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's World Economic Forum comment by saying, "But Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian." The remarks came as he opened a two-day cabinet planning forum focused on diversifying trade and international partnerships.

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the nation in Quebec City as he opened a two-day cabinet planning forum. The speech followed his widely noted remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney emphasized Canada's role as a beacon and said the country can show how diversity and rights endure. He also signaled a push for deeper international partnerships to diversify economic and security ties. Key details: - Carney ended his national address by saying, "But Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian." - He framed Canada as a model where diversity is a strength and where rights and equal freedoms can be protected. - The speech kicked off a cabinet planning forum at the Citadelle in Quebec City, with meetings set to continue on Friday and Parliament returning on Monday. - Carney committed the government will seek more and deeper international partnerships to diversify trade and security relationships. - The exchange followed U.S. President Donald Trump's Davos remark that "Canada lives because of the United States," which came after Carney's WEF comments about a "rupture in the world order." Summary: Carney's remarks reinforced the government's stated focus on building a stronger, more independent Canadian economy and forming wider international partnerships. Cabinet will hear from finance, tech and global affairs experts during the retreat to inform plans. Parliament is scheduled to return Monday.